Living in Community

Introduction

Christian community is a gift from the Lord. A Christian who lives in community with others has a better chance of experiencing real life in Christ together with them. Disregarding community life will greatly diminish the potential of becoming the kind of person God wants us to be. But there will always be challenges. Here are some examples.

1. Conflicts

Differences in personalities, backgrounds, and opinions can lead to conflicts within the community. Resolving these conflicts in a biblical and Christ-like manner requires patience, humility, and a commitment to reconciliation. This is why it is necessary to learn community skills like the PEACE Process and the RESTORE Process, which we teach in RLCC. Contact one of our pastors if you want to know more. The apostle Paul says in ‭Romans 14:19, "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."

2. Communication breakdowns

Communication breakdowns can occur, leading to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Clear and open communication is essential for maintaining healthy relationships within the community. Sometimes people don't say what they mean or mean what they say. For various reasons, we all tend to miscommunicate. Then, we become upset when others misunderstand us. Communication is hard work. We need to work at it until there is mutual understanding. Simply speaking may not be enough. Even intentional silence can often lead to miscommunication.

3. Being accountable

While accountability is vital for spiritual growth, it can also be challenging to navigate. Holding each other accountable in love without coming across as judgmental requires sensitivity and wisdom. Opening up and being honest can be scary, especially when we are not used to it. We all want to be left alone, to do what we want to do. We call this freedom. But often this is just a cover-up for our pride. The apostle Paul says in ‭Romans 12:3, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you."

4. Maintaining unity

Unity among believers is a core value, but it can be difficult to maintain, especially when faced with differing opinions or preferences. Building unity requires intentional effort and a focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. We can agree to disagree, especially in non-essential matters. We do not need to fight for every mountain. Sometimes they are just molehills. We can let go. Learning to differentiate opinions from facts is crucial in maintaining unity in community.

5. Maintaining boundaries

Living in community often means sharing life closely with others, which can blur personal boundaries. Balancing vulnerability and transparency with the need for privacy and personal space is an ongoing challenge. We must be ready to carry each other's burden, but we must also be responsible for our own burdens. The apostle Paul says in ‭Galatians 6:2-5, "[2] Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. [3] If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. [4] Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, [5] for each one should carry their own load."

6. Serving others

Serving others and putting their needs above our own is a foundational principle of Christian community. However, it can be challenging to consistently prioritize the needs of others over our own desires and interests. The apostle Paul says in ‭Philippians 2:1-4,‬ "[1] Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, [2] then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." To live in community with others, we must learn to serve one another.

7. Speaking the truth in love

While living in community can be a catalyst for spiritual growth, it can also expose areas of weakness and sin. Being open to correction and growth can be uncomfortable but is essential for maturity in Christ. We must learn to openly confess our sins to one another. James says in ‭James 5:16, "[16] Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." In addition, the apostle Paul says in ‭Ephesians 4:15-16, "[15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. [16] From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."

Conclusion

Despite these challenges, the beauty of Christian community lies in its ability to provide support, encouragement, and accountability as believers journey together in faith. Through prayer, love, and a commitment to Christ-centered living, these challenges can be navigated with grace and perseverance.

To learn more, join Real Life Christian Communities. https://join.rlcc.ph/.